Maldives Participates in 51st UN Human Rights Review in Geneva

The Maldives is participating in the 51st Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, which commenced yesterday, bringing together UN Member States for a two-week examination of national human rights records under the framework of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The session runs until 30 January 2026 and will see the UPR Working Group review the human rights situations of 13 countries: Australia, Austria, Georgia, Lebanon, Mauritania, Micronesia, Nauru, Nepal, Oman, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

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In line with its stated policies and priorities, the Maldives is taking part actively in the session. The Maldivian delegation is engaging in interactive dialogues and submitting recommendations to the States under review. The government said this engagement reflects its continued commitment to multilateral human rights mechanisms and peer-based dialogue.

During the current session, the Maldives welcomed Micronesia’s ongoing efforts to develop and expand case management systems, reporting mechanisms, and support services for vulnerable children. It also encouraged Micronesia to strengthen access to quality and inclusive healthcare, with particular emphasis on maternal and child health and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

The Maldives further acknowledged progress made by Lebanon in promoting human rights, including initiatives aimed at advancing women’s rights and youth empowerment. It recommended that Lebanon continue efforts to ensure inclusive education for all children and enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities across all areas of society.

The Universal Periodic Review is a State-driven process that allows all UN Member States to assess one another’s human rights records. Through the mechanism, countries report on progress made in fulfilling their international human rights obligations and receive recommendations from other States. The process operates on a four-cycle basis, with the fourth cycle having begun in November 2022 and scheduled to conclude in 2027. The UPR Working Group meets three times each year.